Jane E. Eversman

June 19, 1947 - December 1, 2011

Beloved Wife, Daughter, Sister and Friend.

Jane was adopted as an infant into a loving home and a large, extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her family moved to La Grange Park from Chicago when she was a young girl and she graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1965. She went on to earn Bachelor's and Master's degrees, spending four memorable years at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, MO during the mid-to-late-1960s. She was a forty-year resident of Lisle where she met her future husband, Don Eversman, and many others who became life-long friends. She had a successful career as a teacher at Romeoville High School, retiring several years ago. She faced adversity with dignity and strength in the final years of her life, confronting cancer and several other life-threatening conditions with great courage and resolve. She was loved very much by her family and her friends and will be greatly missed. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Eversman, and by her parents, Ruth and Leonard McQuiston. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Gavin and Cindy McQuiston. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Contributions in Jane's memory can be made to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, P. O. Box 2616, Friday Harbor, WA, 98250 or at www.seashepherd.org in recognition of her love for dolphins, or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, Lisle, IL. For information, call the funeral home at 630-964-9392.

Many things can be said about Jane E. Eversman. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Jane was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Her parents were Len and Ruth. Jane was raised in LaGrange, Illinois. When she was young, Jane's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Jane demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Jane grew up with one brother, Gavin. She was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Jane carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Jane was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

During her high school years, Jane had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois. In 1965. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Jane had a talent for becoming the center of attention, a kind of social catalyst. Jane was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Jane as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was Miss Melon. Jane also enjoyed playing trumpet in the band.

Jane did well in college, as a result of her being intuitive and finely organized. She also pursued graduate school, earning her M.S. In Education. Her favorite courses were psychology courses. The skill of being a good communicator helped Jane immensely during her college days. She was comfortable with abstract information and theories and tended to thrive on the subjects that forced her to think. No matter what class it was, Jane was always very perceptive and embraced the mental challenges that her college experience provided.

Always considered a “good” friend, Jane sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Jane always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Jane’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Jane would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Jane was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. While growing up, some of her best friends were Margi Creer, Barb Ryder, Debbie Schulz, and Dottie Bohon Sheehan. Later in life, she became friends with couples like Chuck and Sharyl and Jim and Peg.

Compassionate and devoted, Jane worked hard to make her new family happy. By trusting her emotions, Jane did her best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Jane was truly a person of empathy.

Jane’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Jane related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

Jane experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was a special education teacher. The majority of her teaching experience was spent at the Romeoville High School. Jane always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Jane took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Jane was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Jane continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Jane’s faith was important to her. Her entire life she was a Methodist. During that time, she participated in the youth group activities at church. She was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in her work with the congregation.

Though she never did anything solely for individual recognition, Jane was given accolades for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. If the truth were known, Jane was always a little uncomfortable with being singled out for recognition. Some of her most prestigious awards included "Teacher of the Year" at Romeoville High School.

Jane enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Jane were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included the Florida Keys.

Jane was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Jane's favorite was her cats. Kiki was the last cat she had, she had her for 15 years.

Jane retired from Valley View School District and she was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that she was, Jane had taken care to plan for this part of her life. When that time eventually arrived, Jane knew exactly what she wanted to do. Even in retirement, Jane continued to stay in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Jane passed away on December 1, 2011 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downer's Grove, after battling cancer and other complications. She is survived by her brother Gavin and her many friends. Jane was laid to rest with her husband, Don; her cat, Kiki; and with her parents in Georgia.

Throughout her life, Jane was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Jane leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Jane E. Eversman.